Mary Elizabeth Sadd
All team members

Mary Elizabeth Sadd

Senior Partner
I have always loved the art and science of connecting clients' needs with candidates who can make an impact. It’s a privilege to be involved with the most important part of any business—its people—as well as the lives of those we engage in the process. This is a company that is genuinely purpose-driven, philanthropic, and committed to solving the diversity, equity and inclusion dilemma that has plagued corporations for far too long.

Mary Elizabeth (ME) Sadd is a results-driven strategic talent advisor. She has a long track record of work with CEOs and C-suite executives, creating teams that successfully deliver results and achieve business strategy and vision.

ME leads the Manufacturing practice as well as the Commercial & Operations functions at Modern. She recently left Korn Ferry where she was a key member of the firm's global CEO Succession practice as well as a sector lead within Global Industrial Markets. During her 26 years in executive search, ME has successfully led many searches at the top level of organizations, including those for CEO, CCO, COO, President, and GM roles. Her clients have spanned the Fortune 50, Fortune 500, as well as private equity-owned, private, and venture capital-backed companies, where she has advised on broad talent management strategies.

ME participated in Korn Ferry’s landmark study of women’s journeys to Fortune 1000 company leadership and itsWomen CEOs Speak report, in partnership with The Rockefeller Foundation, and presents on the insights and actionable applications to more effectively progress women in leadership. ME was the firm’s liaison to Women in Manufacturing (WiM), frequently speaking at WiM Conferences and events for members.

Prior to joining Korn Ferry, ME was the President and CEO of Pinnacle Search Partners, LLC, an executive search firm with a global scope, focused on leadership positions in the manufacturing space. In addition to her executive search and management succession and development work, ME held leadership roles early in her career with GE Plastics (now SABIC) and Mobil Chemical, Plastic Packaging Group (now Pactiv) early in her career.

ME has a Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business from the University of Georgia and currently serves on the UGA Terry College of Business Alumni board.